ARTSPASS sales under way for SaratogaArtsFest 2011
For holiday shoppers seeking a Saratoga-themed gift with lasting value, an ARTSPASS for SaratogaArtsFest 2011 may be the perfect choice. An ARTSPASS not only provides admission to the full range of events and cultural activities during the June 9-12 citywide arts showcase, but also offers discounts at Saratoga Springs restaurants and shops during the festival, and then various year-round privileges at area arts organizations.
As a special holiday gift offering, the handcrafted ceramic ARTSPASS - offered this year in turquoise, the 2011 festival's signature color - is available at a discount during December at three Saratoga Springs stores: Impressions of Saratoga, on Broadway; Saratoga Beads, on Henry St.; and Mimosa, on Beekman Street. The ARTSPASS will also be sold at the Saratoga Farmers' Market on Saturday, Dec. 18. ARTSPASS purchases at these advance locations must be made with cash or check only.
The ARTSPASS will also be on sale at the Skidmore Shop in Case Center on the Skidmore campus.
Each year since the festival's inception in 2007, L'Esperance Tile Works of Rock City Falls has produced the ARTSPASS, which can be worn during the festival and then kept as an attractive event souvenir.
As an incentive for early purchasers, the 2011 ARTSPASS for adults and seniors will be sold at a discount of $5, resulting in a price of $30, through March 31, 2011. In addition, special offers for student, military, and youth admission packages will be announced in early January.
SaratogaArtsFest 2011 will offer a broad variety of arts experiences, including music, dance, visual art, film, theatre, and literary art. The fifth annual festival is designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from the seasoned arts enthusiast to the casual arts consumer to families with young children.
"The ARTSPASS represents an exceptional value with admission to the June festival and year round access to arts events," said Mary Ellen O'Loughlin, executive director of SaratogaArtsFest. "The ARTSPASS is the gift that continues to give all year long."
Added O'Loughlin, "A locally crafted ARTSPASS at the holidays is a special way for the gift-giver to offer a memorable arts experience to family and friends."
The mission of SaratogaArtsFest is to promote Saratoga Springs as a premier arts destination. An annual celebration, the festival showcases local arts organizations through programming of local, national, and international artists, including emerging artists and those with established reputations. SaratogaArtsFest is made possible by an alliance of community partners committed to increasing appreciation and enjoyment of the arts and to strengthening year-round cultural tourism in the Saratoga region.
More information about the festival, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, is available at http://www.saratogaartsfest.org/.
